Ubuntu offers support for a great deal of computer hardware and will run on most computers. However, some devices are currently unsupported and so cannot yet be used in Ubuntu. It is important to check that your hardware will work with Ubuntu before you make the switch, in order to avoid unnecessary frustration.
The easiest way to check whether your hardware is compatible with Ubuntu is to make use of the Ubuntu Desktop CD, described in the section called “Trying-out Ubuntu”. This will temporarily load a cut-down version of Ubuntu which may be able to use the device in question. You might find that certain hardware devices do not function correctly; for example, you may find that sounds are inaudible, or that your printer does not function correctly. However, this does not necessarily mean that your sound card or printer is unsupported.
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Finding hardware information |
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To find out more information about your hardware while running Windows, press → , type devmgmt.msc into the box provided and then press . This will start the Device Manager, which is able to show all devices currently connected to your computer. |
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Make a list of the devices connected to your computer which are not functioning correctly, noting their make and model.
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Visit the Ubuntu Hardware Support pages and look-up the name of the device. It is possible that there is a simple way to get the device to function correctly; this might involve installing additional software, for example.
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If you find that a device is either unsupported or not mentioned on the Hardware Support pages, use a search engine website (such as google.com) to search for Linux-compatible drivers for your device. For example, a search for
hp 1022 linuxshould hopefully reveal whether the HP 1022 laser printer is supported under Linux or not. -
Ultimately, the only way to be sure that your device works is by fully installing Ubuntu, especially if additional software (such as non-free device drivers) are required. See Chapter 4, Installing Ubuntu for more information.
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If you find that your device does not work after having installed the full version of Ubuntu, seek support from one of the Ubuntu support channels. Ubuntu is a community project, and there will be many people on the forums, IRC channels, and mailing-lists who may be able to help you solve your problem. The solution may be as simple as installing an optional package to add support for your device.
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If your device is known to be unsupported, consider buying a replacement device, if this is practical. Select a device which is listed on the Hardware Support pages, if possible.
If you are still having problems getting a device to work, you may be able to find advice and instructions on the Ubuntu Community Help pages.
Certain types of device are poorly supported by Ubuntu for various reasons. If you have such a device, it may be difficult or impossible to get it to work under Ubuntu. Below is a list of some poorly-supported device types:
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Software dial-up modems
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Some USB broadband modems
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Scanners
While a considerable number of the devices of the types listed above are unsupported, there will generally be at least a few devices available which are supported.
